The Governess(closed for tragicomicnight and myself)

[papillon24]

Karina Dorn

I left the school the night before leaving behind all the young girls I had watched grow up for the past years of my teaching. There were tear in my eyes but I held them back for I knew that they would find a new teacher and love her just as well.

There was not much to load into the carriage but one trunk filled with nothing but a few books and one other dress. I was poor and had always been poor. That is what I had been taught at the school before I had become a teacher there. To own material objects was a vanity and simplicity was the way of God.

The countryside was not all that thrilling as the small hills past by my gaze.

It was late in the morning when the carriage pulled up to front of the great manor. To me the grounds themselves were intimidating let alone the house. It loomed over the property and seemed dark and cold. My hands shook in nervousness as I stepped from the carriage door taking the hand of the driver to steady myself.

From my bag I pulled a small pocket sized mirror out to check the status of my hair and clothing. My hair way still up in it's large bun but some strands of black hair had fallen down showing it's length along my back. Quickly I ticked them back into the bun and brushed the sleep away from my pale skin.

Slowly I made my way to the entrance watching the giant doors grow larger with every step. My hand fell to the large brass knocker that resided in the middle of the door as I sounded that I was here.

The door opened and I was greeted by a small older woman with graying hair.

"Come with me miss, is that all the luggage you have? my my" her voice was harsh as if it had been scrubbed too much. "The master will see you soon, have a seat"

She ushered me into a lounge of some sort as I took a seat on one of the soft velvet couches. Everything was so rich and lovely. I could not help but look around. It reminded me of the castles in the fairytales I had read when I was younger.

"Tea miss?"

"Oh, no thank you, but if you don't mind, what is you name?"

"It's Martha miss, just relax and the master should be down in a moment. He has been very interested in meeting you."

"Thank you Martha"

I sat stiffly in the seat as I awaited his entrance.

 

[tragicomicnight]

Roland Fengriffen
35, dark brown hair, black eyes

My daughter Elsie slept as the carriage made its way to Fengriffen Manor. It was for the best that she not meet the new governess outright. The schoolmistress had given her highest recommendation and she was an old friend of mine, but nonetheless, I did not want any strangers teaching my Elsie without my getting to know them first. I wanted a lady with a gentle manner, high breeding, sophistication, perfect diction, fine taste in clothing, virtuous habits and true piety. I loved my daughter as I had loved my wife, Muriel who was taken by consumption. The lord was truly merciful in sparing Elsiefrom the illness. I don't think I could have endured the pain that would come from losing her. Every night when I put her to bed, I became certain that I couldn't. But, I still had business to conduct. I still had letters to write, arrangements to make, books to keep and such. I wish I could have had all the time in the world to raise my dear child, but alas, I didn't and so I had to write for the help of a governess.
I was still sitting and reflecting on this when my devoted servant Martha called me downstairs to meet the girl. I rapidly chose a waistcoat which was not my finest, but I did not feel the girl deserved such respect without having known me at all. I always do my best to dress well, but for this occasion I decided I need not be too ornate. I descended the stairs quickly and went to the foyer to find the girl who would take care of my daughter when I was busy. My mouth was agape when I arrived. I tried to stifle my surprise, but seldom had I seen such a vision.
She had ivory skin and a perfect, shiny ravenwing hair. Her lips were a bright red, nearly the color of blood, but it was a softer, kinder red. Her clothing was simple,yet respectful and it became her. I found myself forgetting her name. "Now, miss..." I skipped over the name, "what experience have you had that would make you worthy of my child's care and education?" I made my face stern, for now I was a concerned father and not a fellow who had just beheld the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

 

[papillon24]

Karina Dorn

I stood at his entrance to the room and admired his stature and visage. I held my hand out stiffly ready to introduce myself.

“My name is Karina, Karina Dorn, sir.” I stood straight even as I felt my hand shake a bit thought the words. “I’m sure that you got the packet I sent with all my qualifications. Otherwise you would not have had me come all this way.”

I felt my head lower a bit at my forwardness. It was strange being so forward to him. I was so used to speaking to the principle at the tiny school and the reverend. Two men who would yell and rant is a woman were ever to be so forward to them. But this man I could tell was different. There was a certain softness about him that told me that my forwardness was all right here.

“Sir, I’m sorry for my forwardness” I apologized quickly in politeness as I lowered my hand and folded it within my other in front of me.

“Let me tell you a bit about my back ground if you wish.” I sat back on the small couch I had been seated on before. “I have been a part of the Methodist School since I was a student myself. There I studied Art and Literature quite intensively. I also have a background in French and a bit of Math and Science although those were not my strongest of subjects. Is there anything else you wish to know sir?”

 

[tragicomicnight]

The girl was surprisingly forward. I had not expected a young lady with such an education and such a capacity for refinement to be so rude. Though well-bred, I could hardly consider myself polite. I had had much experience as an aristocrat and I was unafraid of liars, hypocrites and charlatans, so my tongue was not always civil, nor my temper always even. Yet, when I saw the girl's face soften into a blush, I felt that I could not condemn her. It was admirable and surprising how quickly she apologized. Somewhere in me, I wanted her to continue to be rude. I felt that there might have been a free spirit in her supressed by all this custom and social protocol. At the time, though that was no concern of mine. I was looking for a governess. She was quick to tell me her qualifications, hoping they would heal her transgression. Indeed, I was happy enough with her without them. I sat and thought on it for a moment and couldn't help but look at her face again. She had pursed her lips together tightly in her anxiety and I found myself shamefully enough wanting to kiss her. I wanted to hold her and bring her comfort and tell her that it was alright and I could not help but hire such a beautiful and intelligent young girl to care for my daughter. I expelled these thoughts when I heard Elsie come down the stairs. The child was dressed in a fine light blue gown and slippers. It was a little too much for the occasion, though I always let her choose her own clothes so I had no objection. Her black, curly hair was somewhat matted from her pillow and she wiped her blue eyes (a trait she got from her mother) since she was still rather tired . "Has she come, papa?" Elsie asked.
"Yes, dear," I said, smiling, "your governess is here. Katrina shall educate you in French, mathematics and..." I thought for a moment.
"Do you play the piano?"

 

[papillon24]

Karina Dorn

I turned at the sound of small footsteps. I watched in awe at the little girl who entered the room. Her dress was more elegant than anything I had every seen. In the morning light she looked like a little angel with her long black curls and brigh blue eyes.

"Yes, I do play the piano, a bit"

I stood and walked over to her and kneeled in front of her.

"Bonjour ma petite. My name is Karina and it is nice to meet you."

"Hello.." Her response was a bit shy but than a smile crept over her lips "Will you play with me this morning?"

"Sure my dear, we can play all morning, but tommorrow we need to start your sudies. does that sound ok to you?" I watched as she noddedand turned grabbing my hand to pull me upstais to play.

I turned and smiled a bit in amusement and then turned back.

"You are an anxios one. Just let me get unpacked a bit and get settled and then we shall play all you want. You can come with me. I have something in my bags for you" I turned back to face him. "I am wondering where my bags have been taken sir. I would like to refresh a bit before the day fully begins"

 

[tragicomicnight]

I was glad to see that the new governess got along so well with Elsie. Though a generally well behaved child, bless her heart, she took after her father in many ways and had no patience for people she did not like. It was not her fault, after all, she saw anyone who sought to take care of her for even the briefest time to be usurping her mother's position. Even when Martha watched her for awhile, the child would become most impertinent and quick to inform her that she was not the lady of the house. So, it was a remarkable thing to see the child take so quickly to Katrina. When I thought about it enough I found it to be a most exotic name, hough her last name was very plain and Germanic. All in all, it seemed metrically alright I suppose. I took a deep breath to avoid making some sort of sigh from whimsy or joy. So many things to suppress. It would be a heaven and a hell to live with such a woman. So clever as well. She was quick to correct social gaffs and not one to linger on her good qualities for too long. I was not used to humility in people due to my social circles and I found it an alluring quality. Elsie surprised me a great deal by wrapping her arms around her and offering her a kiss on the cheek. How innocent are children...I wish I could have provided a similar display. "Your room is upstairs, across from Elsie's and next to my own. It has a WC, but alas no bathtub. There is a stream the servants tend to bathe in, though I can offer the luxury of my own bath if you find it necessary." I blushed a little. I meant nothing by the comment, but Isensed a wrongness to it.

 

[papillon24]

I looked towards the grand staircase towards the gently lit corridor that followed.

"sir, The stram is just fine. Actually it is kind of a luxury compared to the schools facility. The stream has running water instead of cold iced over basins at the school." I smiled and gathered my skirt so I would not trip on the as I made my way up the stairs.

I wandered the coridor as I made my way to my room with the help of Elsie in the form of pulling at my arm.

Abruply I stopped. The room was a palace in itself. Tapistried covered the walls that had to be at least a hundred years old. Silks and satins drapped accross the bed and tafita drifted down in a veil on the bed. The color of blood red dominated the room but also added an elegant touch.

"It's so beautiful" I took a step in almost too araid to touch anything.

I made my way over to the window where my few bags had been place and opened the largest one. The leather of the case creaked as it opened to reveal a handmade doll of cloth. I picked it up gently and handed it to Elsie.

"The girls at the school made this just for you Elsie. Her name is Stacy and is to be a good friend for you when ever you feel alone."

She took the doll and took time to examine it.

"Miss Karina?"

"Yes?"

"May I write to them and say thank you? Can you help me with that?"

"Of corse you can. I'm sure they would really like that." I stood back up taking a better look at the room.

 

[tragicomicnight]

I had business to deal with in town, matters for my solicitor, but before I left, I stole my way down the hall to make sure that Katrina was able to find her room. A smile lit up my face as I found her giving Elsie a lovely new doll made by the girls at the school. Most of my gifts for Elsie tended to be clothes or such things, since I knew little about toys. My own parents had found it counterproductive for a child to spend too much time at play, so I knew only the academic part of childhood, the Latin and the mathematics of it. I would have loved to have a childhood where I could have played with other children instead of learning how to be an aristocrat. I would hate for Elsie to be raised in such a way. I tried to do my best in providing the child joy, but I sometimes found myself being too strict and concentrating too much on the importance of manners and education. It seemed that Katrina had already provided the child with a means toward joy, that piece of youth that I had missed. I could not help but smile, though I said nothing and tried my best to remain concealed for the moment. I was pleased to hear my daughter offer a thanks and to write a note. What a wonderful child she was, and what a wonderful young woman this governess would likely be. I decided to be off to attend to business in the city and then I would return for a short ride, read Elsie from the Book of Grimm's Fairy Tales I had given her for Christmas and then I would put the child to bed.

 

[papillon24]

From the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of the Barron as he glanced upon his child. He was indeed going to be a kind boss and maybe even a friend as I started my new life here.

I turned to pick up a peice of paper and a pen as Elsie started to dictate her letter to the girls. I carefully copied the words which she said.

"Is that it?"

"Yes ma'am, but I want to sign it"

"All right you do that" I set the pen and paper down on the table and lifted her up onto my lap and watched as she scribbled crooked letters onto the paper to spell her name.

"Elsie, why don't you go and get lunch while I make myself a bit more comfortable. Is that ok with you?"

"Ok, I'll go. I'll see you later miss Karina"

I waved as she left the room skipping with her doll in hand.

I decided to go for a walk around the grounds. I grabbed a towel knowing I would come across the stram eventually.They were beautiful with neatly trimmed hedges and paths. The sound of rushing water caught my attention as I dashed accross the field stopping short of a small stream and little waterfall.

I checked around to make sure no one was looking before slipping down to nothing and jumping in. The water was so cool and refreshing after the long trip and I felt quite alone with the circle of trees around me.

 

[tragicomicnight]

Business in town was peerlessly monotonous. My bookkeeper informed me that I was still wealthy and could afford to pay my darling little governess a bit more. The new dress I bought Elsie proved less expensive than I thought one would be. I found one that reminded me of the one on the doll the girls had sewed for her. I thought she would enjoy the resemblance. I looked at all of the dresses and thought of Katrina. I would have to take her shopping. Her clothes were so bland and did not become her. It was wrong to put such a lovely girl in such plain clothing. I returned home to take a short ride and survey the grounds. The lush trees, the fragrant gardens...and a more beautiful sight. A few feet away, Katrina had let her dress fall to the grass and there she stood nude. I saw her only from behind, but indeed she was like a statue crafted by the Italian masters. Skin like white marble, a perfectly curved back that made way down to a buttocks more shapely than I thought could be. I wanted to ride away, but I could not. It was fortunate that I was just out of view, for this nymph had me completely transfixed. I was even gifted by the sight of two tiny pink nipples on her wellformed breasts, hardening from the cold of the water. What a sight she truly was. She made me remember how I missed having a woman about...

 

[papillon24]

It was pure heaven as I let the cool water surround me. It was so fresh and clean. MY body glided though the water as I swam around in it a bit.

Then I stopped for a second. I quickly ducked into the water letting it cover my breasts.

"Who's there?" I called out to the trees. Someone was watching, I could sense it.

Again I called into the trees. "Whos's there?"

I grabbed my towel from where it lay and wrapped it around my body the quickly got dressed. I would have to tell them at the manor that there was someone waching.

 

[tragicomicnight]

When she called out, I grew very nervous. How would this look to her? My face was red in embarassment as I ventured out of the shadows. I slowed my horse down to a steady gallop. As she reached for her towel, I spoke. "My apologies, Katrina. I was just on my way back in with my horse, when I passed the stream. I did not want to frighten you and I assure you, you startled me just as much. It has been awhile since I have seen a woman...in that way."

 

[papillon24]

The look of shock spread across my face as I saw the master of the house step out from where he was hiding and covered myself compleatly.

"Master Fengriffen, I did not think you were the type who would take the advantage to peep. now will you please turn so that I may get dressed."

I watched as he turned slowly and I quickly et my dress slip over my head and cover myself carfully buttoning it up

"You may tur now sir. The coast is clear."

 

[tragicomicnight]

I turned at last, my face scarlet. Surely it was twice as embarassing for me as it was for her. While I could not have resisted, it was still shameful. Spying on my governess! Well, not spying at first, but then surely it became spying. "I must offer my humblest apologies, Katrina. I was quite taken in by your beauty and I could not look away. Such loveliness I do not see often. I am usually in the company of inbred bluebloods and old dowagers, so a young woman with your particular charms could not be avoided by my eyes. If you would like, you may ride back to the house with me. My horse is quick and it would be rude of me to just make you walk back."

 

[papillon24]

I noticed the embarassment in his eyes as he offered the ride. The kindness in those eyes were something magical.

"I would love to ride back with you" I climbed up onto the horse with his help and settled in. I felt him as he pressed up behind me and I leaned back a bit to secure myself.

The galloping of the horse brought the manor into view. It still was grand as ever and little Elsie was standing waiting for our arrival. she had changed and dressd in a pink satin dress with ribbons to match.

I dismounted and walked up to greet her.

"Hello Elsie. I see you have changed again."

"Yes ma'am. What were you and papa doing."

"Just going out for a ride."

I stepped back to the horse letting my hands run along the beasts neck patting it gently.

 

[tragicomicnight]

I felt a warmth fill me as I saw how easily she dealt with Elsie. It made me almost forget the sight I had seen...the transcendent, marvelous sight I had seen. I never thought my eyes would have the priviledge. And then the slight teasing impression of her body leaned against me. God help me, it was paradise. It should not have been something so incredible, but it was. So simple and yet so much. Elsie stood waiting, curious and eager to see her father once more. and of course full of questions for Katrina. I lifted my daughter and squeezed her tightly, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "If you are good, I shall find you your own pony. But you must behave for Katrina and listen to all that she tells you to do. Do you understand?"
Her face flushed with excitement. "Yes, papa. I do so love Katrina. I would not think to disobey her or to be bad."
I set her down and remembered that I had forgotten dinner. This evening we would be eating quite late. "I will be in my quarters, dressing for dinner, Katrina. I suggest you do the same...in your quarters of course." My face turned scarlet and with the vigor of a man half my age, I rushed to my room to dress for dinner.

 

[papillon24]

The sight ws a tender one as the Baron lifted his daughter.

"I will be in my quarters, dressing for dinner, Katrina. I suggest you do the same...in your quarters of course." I headed toward the manor and rushed to my room. the bags I packed were small and only really contained a few books a other dresses which were also black and very plain.

I quickly changed int one which had a white collar and cuffs. I tied my hair up into a bun at the nape of my neck and quickly rushed down the stairs to find the barron and Elsie already seated at the table.

"I'm sorry I took so long" as I took my seat.

 

[tragicomicnight]

I could not help but look at her as she ate. The daintiness of her fingers, the quiet elegance of the way she dressed. I thought of the contours of her body and the way they looked as she bathed. This angel, this nymph, now sat at my table. Could she really be more beautiful? I was awkward and slow to respond to the apology for her lateness. She could be as late as she wanted as long as she showed up.
"It's quite alright," I said to her, "you look most elegant, Katrina. If you wish, next time Iam in town, we could seek out more gowns for you to wear to dinner. Tomorrow we will ride into town."

 

[papillon24]

I felt a blush come to my cheeks. I did not feel elegant in the plainess that I donned.

"Sir, it is not necessary for you to buy me clothes. The ones I brought should suit me fine. besides they are what I'm quite comfortable in. "

 

[tragicomicnight]

A certain meekness came over me. I felt that she had the authority somehow and that I was not the master of the house, but a servant of this girl's charms. But she did not seem to know. She maintained humility and acted as a servant still. I had become infatuated with her, in a sense that was indeed juvenile. "As you wish, miss Van Dorn. Might I say it is a pleasure to have you at dinner and I am glad that Elsie is so very fond of you. Your employment here is now definite."

 

[papillon24]

"Thank you sir, I believe that I have fallen for the charms of this place especially little Elsie." I stared at the abundance of rich foods in front of me. I never had remembered a time when phesant and fish were ever served at the school..

"Sir, I'm sorry I am so forward with my comments and actions. At the school one had to be humble modest and very forward in order to survive"

I took a bit of the food and found myself to be hungrier than I thought. The taste of the meat and the spices made my sense shudder.

"This is heavenly. I've never had anything like this before"